Onouha ruled out

News that will certainly intensify speculation that defensive reinforcements will be top of the January wanted list:

The defender strained a calf muscle during Saturday’s win over Sunderland and now faces a recovery period of three to four weeks. This news comes the day after Joleon Lescott had his knee operation to remove some floating bone, but the summer purchase from Everton is also out until into the New Year.

Whilst Toure and Kompany will be the likely pairing this weekend, we will look very short once Toure heads off to the African Cup of Nations.

Hopefully, Lescott and/or Onouha makes a quicker than expected recovery.

Onouha's concerns

Lost a little amongst yesterday's news was an interview in The Independent with Nedum Onouha, which covered a number of interesting topics - most notably around the difficulties Academy players (himself included) face in breaking through into the side given the changes the club has gone through:

"Three or four years ago at this point he [Weiss] might have played 50 games for the club already," Onuoha says. "In training you see he's a really good player and in my opinion has much more technical ability than any of the [first team] academy [graduates] - certainly more than Micah [Richards] and me. But he has not been able to break into the side because of the people ahead of him and the pressure that comes with the shirt these days."

As noteworthy and honest as Stephen Ireland can be, Onouha comes across as the most engaging interviewee. Measured and articulate, his answers are often thought and a departure from the usual cliched ones trotted out by most players.

He is of course right in that the prospects of regular first team football at an early age that the likes of himself, Richards, Ireland and Wright-Phillips enjoyed (out of necessity more than anything) are not necesaarily as available now - although I think it is stretching it to suggest Weiss would be pushing fifty appearances. That is not to say that those good enough won't break through; more that the bar has been raised and only the very elite will ultimately make it.

This is not only affecting Academy players though. Last nights introduction of Vincent Kompany highlighted the quality and competition within the squad now, and as we progress this will only intensify further.

Despite the prospects of limited opportunities, it is clear Onouha still sees his future at the club - perhaps as a result of him having never really been a nailed on regular - with this interesting last comment which outlines what could lie ahead for the club:

"It's the people who really want to be here who'll be here the longest and when it matters."

Onouha undecided

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, the topic of international allegiance is something that has again been posed to Nedum Onouha, with him admitting he is undecided as to whether to firmly commit to either England or Nigeria:

"It is a tough call," he said. "I would love to play for England. But I also get a certain feeling when I see Nigeria play. I can imagine myself really enjoying it and wanting to be part of it. But it is not that simple. If you play for England that is fine.

"It is not the best time to make such a big decision, so for now I am not making one," he said. "I would like to think I am young enough to see another World Cup. I think it is made easier because I enjoy club football. That is my main focus.

"If a time comes when I have to make a decision I will speak to a few people and hope to make the right call."

The courting of Onouha by Nigeria is nothing new of course, and as the article states, the fact they have not qualified for the World Cup makes the non-decision that bit easier.

By the time the next World Cup roles around though, Onouha will be approaching his late-twenties and by then will surely have to make a decision.

The fact he is delaying in commiting to Nigeria suggests his first choice would perhaps be England, but - and despite his undoubted talent - a call-up seems some way off yet.

Onouha on the way back

Some good news, and a timely reminder for those currently in possession of the starting positions of the quality we do possess in the defensive area:

Nedum Onuoha will begin his comeback from injury in earnest in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night.

The former England under 21 captain, who has been missing from the squad since the 4-2 win over Arsenal in September, had a gentle run out with the reserves in a friendly at the weekend and is ready to step up is bid to return to first team action.

Onouha ruled out

Disappointing news for Nedum Onouha ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at home to Fulham:

"Unfortunately Nedum is injured at the moment," said Hughes.

"He pulled a thigh during the reserves game last week. He played around 55 minutes but felt a bit of discomfort.

"There is a tear in there and he will be out for three or four weeks."

I'm sure Onouha would have been in the frame for a start, but considering we have conceded six in our past two games Hughes may look to keep the same defence (certainly centrally) to iron out any concerns.

Nigeria keen on Onouha

Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu will try to persuade Nedum Onuoha to represent his team at international level.

The Manchester City defender played for the England Under-21 side at this year's European championship but has not yet won a full cap for the senior side.

Onouha has dual nationality and is eligible to represent Nigeria after a Fifa vote in June removed the age limit on changing national teams.

He was initially approached by the country of his birth in 2007 but turned the offer down.

>>skysports.com

This could be a big concern for the club given I'm sure Onouha is lined up to replace Kolo Toure whilst he is set to be away on African Nations duty.

Whilst he is an under-21 international and has all the tools to eventually make the step up to senior level for England there is no guarantee of this, and it is a position England are strong in.

No news from Onouha on a likely decision so far, but whilst the decision will be a tough one, the lure from Nigeria must undoubtedly be strong.

Onouha signs new deal

Some positive news amid fears that he could be part of any deal to land Joleon Lescott is that Nedum Onouha has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

A huge plus for the club the past season or so is the emergence of Onouha into a genuine first-team player, thankfully free of the injuries which stalled his progress since he broke into the side.

Onouha himself seemed positive about his own future, despite the prospect of increased competition for places:

“I am really, really happy,” he declared. “This is a great place for any young player to be. Hopefully it will be the start of another good five years for me and for the club. This is a season that we will be looking right towards the top of the table.

“Who knows how far the club can go. If you look back five years who would have expected the club to be in the position it is in now. We feel anything is possible.

“There is a brilliant mix here in terms of the squad. There are a lot of big signings that have been made but there are also plenty of lads who have come through the Academy and I think that is an important thing.

“We all have a lot more experience now and I think we are the type of players teams need to be successful. If you look at the recent history of the clubs that have won trophies they have all had a home grown element.”

Further Lescott bid reported

Sky Sports News understands Manchester City are to make an improved bid for Everton defender Joleon Lescott within the next 24 hours.

Money-rich City had a £15million offer for the England player rejected by the Toffees earlier in July after confirming their long-term interest in the 26-year-old.

>>skysports.com

It was also suggested that Lescott may well be set to tell Everton that he wants to move.

I have no issue as such with increasing an offer for Lescott per se, given you would expect his transfer value to be higher we are likely to pay for Kolo Toure.

However, Nedum Onouha should not be part of any deal to land him. Whatsoever.

Who next?

Dusting himself off following the rejection by John Terry, it seems that Mark Hughes has picked himself back up and got himself back in the game if today's reports are anything to go by.

Attention appears to be focusing back on both Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure, with Toure the stronger rumour and the suggestion seems to be that a bid either has, or will shortly be lodged.

Jack has mused over the merits of adding one or both of the pair, and whilst Toure seems the likelier in terms of current progress, my own preference would be to add the one player - Joleon Lescott, namely because Nedum Onouha is a better player than either. A partnership between Lescott and Onouha also looks a stronger one than Toure and Onouha, two players of similar styles as opposed to the more rugged, defensive qualities of Lescott.

A point to make about bringing in multiple defenders is, that whilst strengthening is required, the rotation in defence is not as prevalent as in other areas (which is why we can carry half a dozen attacking players) and looking at the top sides in the Premier League, they are built on a solid, consistent partnership at the back, so carrying too many defenders is by far from an ideal situation.

Nedum going nowhere

A positive note to come out of the club was confirmation from Mark Hughes that there will be no chance that Nedum Onouha will be leaving the club:

"Nedum is one of our finest young players. "He was outstanding for us last season, and I am not looking to move one of our prize assets away from City."

There had been the odd whisper that Everton were looking at the possibility of taking Onouha - possibly as part of a deal that would see us land Joleon Lescott.

Thankfully, there doesn't appear to be any substance in it, as although Lescott would be a welcome addition to the side, if it meant sacrificing Onouha then it would be a huge mistake. Injury free during 2008/09, Onouha turned in a hugely impressive season.

Hopefully free of his injury problems, there is no reason why over the course of the next year or so he can't prove his undoubted quality and go on to force his way into the England set up.

Quote of the day

From Henry Winter:

Onuoha has nicely wry sense of humour. Asked what he learned from Sven, City defender said: 'In terms of football or other things?'

Trio named in England under-21 squad

From the FA.com:

Goalkeepers
Joe Hart (Manchester City), Joe Lewis (Peterborough United), Scott Loach (Watford)

Defenders
Martin Cranie (Portsmouth), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle United), James Tomkins (West Ham United)

Midfielders
Lee Cattermole (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Driver (Hearts), Craig Gardner (Aston Villa), Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough), James Milner (Aston Villa), Fabrice Muamba (Bolton Wanderers), Mark Noble (West Ham United), Jack Rodwell (Everton)

Forwards
Theo Walcott (Arsenal) Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Frazier Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur - on Loan), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United)

Onouha injury blow

Nedum Onuoha suffered a dislocated shoulder during Manchester City's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday.

It's also feared the defender brok his wrist after falling badly in the 58th minute but manager Seven-Goran Eriksson does not know the extent of his injuries yet.

Eriksson said: "I do not know how bad his shoulder is. He is in hospital, having X-rays.

"Nedum also has a problem with his wrist. We are just hoping it is not broken."

>>football365.com

UPDATE:

It looks as though Onouha is done for the season, given reports that he has dislocated his shoulder at the very least, and may well have suffered further damage to his wrist when he fell on Saturday.

Trio named in under-21 squad

Three City players have been named in the England Under 21 squad for next Tuesday’s friendly against Poland at Molineux.

Nedum Onuoha is the most experienced player in the 20-man list named by former Blues boss Stuart Pearce with 13 caps, and he will be joined by goalkeeper Joe Hart as well as midfielder Michael Johnson.

The trio will see another familiar face next week, with former City striker and Youth Academy graduate Ishmael Miller also receiving his call-up papers.

>>mcfc.co.uk

Trio feature for under-21's

Nedum Onouha, Joe Hart and Michael Johnson all featured for the under-21's 1-1 draw against their Romanian counterparts yesterday evening.

I didn't see the game but believe that the Romanian goal owed much to a touch of misfortune from both Onouha and Hart, but both will be permanent fixtures in the side I imagine and add further weight against the argument that the club has ignored English talent since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over.

Onouha pens new deal

One good bit of positive news today came in the shape of Nedum Onouha signing a new four year deal at the club, something that had been put on hold until after the recent under-21 championships in which Onouha impressed in England's run to the semi-finals.

Onouha himself saying:

"I'm delighted the contract is sorted out, I just want to
get back to working hard and playing well when pre-season starts next week,"
said Onuoha.
"I like to think I have been improving game-on-game recently, I
think I have come on massively from two years ago."

Whilst the loss of Sylvain Distin is still a disappointing blow, at least it provides the opportunity to allow Onouha to become a regular along the side, overcoming the injury problems that have stalled his progress the past couple of seasons, and allow him to display his undoubted talent.

Trio in international call-up

From mcfc.co.uk:

Three of City’s younger players are heading for Spain
in a bid to secure a place in the England squad for this summer’s Under 21
European Championships.
Nedum Onuoha, Joe Hart and Michael Johnson are in
the provisional squad of 30 players who jetted off to Valencia on Monday for a
five-day training camp. That number will be whittled down to 23 next week, but
all three will have high hopes of making it to the finals in Holland after a
busy few weeks at the end of the domestic season.

Nedum facing international dilemna

From BBC Sport:

The invitation of 37 players to a provisional Super Eagles
squad by newly appointed coach German Berti Vogts has come under severe
criticism from the local media in Nigeria.
There were several surprise names
included in the provisional squad released by the Nigeria Football Association
(NFA) for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on 24
March.

One player named in the squad was our very own Nedum Onouha - born in Nigeria but who moved to the UK at a young age and joins fellow Premiership youngsters Victor Anichebe and Gabriel Agbonlahor - who admitted he is undecided over the offer.

He has represented England under-21's on a number of occasions now, but could still represent Nigeria at senior level with dispensation from FIFA.

No news from Onouha on whether he is considering representing Nigeria, but still must be considered as future England potential if he can stay injury free. His absence from the City side through injury is likely to mean he is unfit for the Nigeria game at the end of March, so he may get to wait a little longer before he has to make a decision.

One more in the name of love.

Well a good and bad day news wise for the club , the bad news first as correctly predicted on these pages yesterday only Michael Ball was added to the playing staff despite reported late attempts at Mido and Andy O'Brien. The O'Brien attempt as a direct result of Nedem Onohua's latest injury, which is a crying shame for him.

On the good news front may I be the first, and possibly only blue, to stand up and applaud the club following yesterdays season ticket announcement.

The decision to set U16's season ticket prices at £95 for any part of the ground is a bold initiative that could reap dividends for years to come. My 4 year old will be certainly getting one now for next year, a quick flick though other sites shows United's lowest price (and only) at £190 and Oldham who themselves having been pushing ticket prices at £115. With a bit of luck City could corner the market.

Meanwhile Adult prices have been frozen, leading too many fans moaning on the M.E.N site claiming that prices should have been slashed mainly due to skys bumper TV deal.
Perversely some are even claiming the non-reduction is the last straw and that they are not renewing. Instead they will watch it at home or in the pub, thus lining sky's pockets further and detaching football clubs further from the fans that once kept them going.

Will be interesting too see what happens with season ticket sales for next year with many predicting a huge drop, I don't think it will be that big.

One thing is for certain Me and the Boy will be there !

Oh and Im aware of others not renewing for reasons other than finance all I can say is at the side of this page are links to bluewatch & mcfc supporters trust. Put up or shut up.

Wigley praises Academy

As Stuart Pearce was off re-enacting the Great Escape (see right) following Saturday's draw, it was left for Steve Wigley to conduct the post-match interviews and he made special mention of the academy:

“We’ve got a fantastic academy and we work the area probably
better than any side in the North,” Wigley said. “They are fortunate that
they’ve got a manager [Stuart Pearce] who puts young players in the team. It
gets easier to attract kids because you can say: ‘Well, he’s playing in the
team’. Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards, Joey Barton and Ishmael
Miller, they’ve all come through the academy. To try and buy players of that
quality costs you millions. The future is bright.”

Particular praise from the majority of the press seems to be focused on Nedum Onouha, and he is certainly the main beneficiary from the decision to revert to three at the back. He never quite looked comfortable at right-back - although feeling his way back to full fitness can't have helped, but has looked far more at ease in a central position.

Hopefully, after falling behind in the pecking order at club and international level, Onouha can now make up for lost time.